The Trigan Empire

One of the conspirators fought like a wild animal to evade capture by the Trigan police but his companion surrendered meekly.

Our information was correct. This fellow’s a military attache at the Caton Embassy.

And this is Roffa, of the Air Fleet!

Roffa was tried by the High Court on a charge of treason.

Does the defendant offer any evidence on his behalf?

No, Excellency. He pleads guilty to attempting to sell the plans to an agent of a foreign power and throws himself on the mercy of the court.

The mercy of the High Court was non-existent.

There is only one fitting sentence to pass upon a traitor to the Empire . . .

Solitary confinement for life on the Isle of Despair!

Of all those who sat in court that day, the most puzzled and thoughtful was the great scientist Peric. As he observed to the Emperor Trigo later . . .

I am convinced, Imperial Majesty, that there is more to it than meets the eye.

Why should two of the brightest young pilots of the Air Fleet, both of them friends, suddenly turn to robbery and treason?

So what is your explanation?

Ah, there I am baffled, Imperial Majesty. Though I can put my finger on the mystery, I cannot explain it . . .

But I am working on it!

On a day of threatened storm and lowering sky, the convicted Roffa was transported to the Isle of Despair. 























High above, a lone craft followed the progress of Roffa’s grim journey.

Roffa! Do you hear me, Roffa?

When you reach the Isle, you will immediately be put into solitary confinement. But you will not be alone for long . . .

The voice was heard only by Roffa.

. . . you will soon be joined by Janno! Do you understand?

Yes, I understand.

The fool’s talking to himself already!

At that moment, within the grim fortress-prison, a harsh-faced guard had just entered Janno’s cell.

Here’s your supper, animal!

Hey! Are you ill, or . . .

The guard bent over the prostrate figure which immediately bounded into action.

Uuuuugh!

Shortly after, Janno left his cell, disguised. The same mysterious voice he had heard before, spoke in his inner ear.

Well done, Janno. Now you will proceed with the second part of the master plan.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 712 on 6 September 1975.

Instants before the fighter-craft must have smashed itself to a fireball, the strange voice sounded again in Roffa’s inner ear.

Well done, Roffa! You have learned obedience. Now, pull out of the dive!

Roffa obeyed and missed destruction by a hair’s breadth.

The young pilot was severely disciplined by his squadron commander.

You are extremely lucky not to be court-martialled for dangerous flying. As it is, you will be grounded for a lunar month and suffer a loss of pay for that period.

Again the voice in Roffa’s inner ear.

A month with no duties, Roffa. Just the opportunity you need.

Meanwhile, on the grim prison fortress of the Isle of Despair . . .

Janno was taking his daily exercise in the high-walled courtyard.

























Where are those guards taking that tray of food?

To Raspardi—who else?

Raspardi was the biggest international criminal on Elekton, with ten million thullars on his head. They keep him in solitary confinement in the black tower.

Hey, you! Stop talking!

A voice echoed in Janno’s inner ear . . .

Did you hear that, Janno—the black tower?

I heard!

That same night, two figures met in the Great Square of Trigan City, under the statue of the Emperor Trigo.

If you are he who arranged to meet me here, give the password.

The password is . . . “treachery”!

You have the plans of Trigan’s new bombing craft?

I have it here. First you will hand over the agreed sum of money . . .

The next moment, the plotters were bathed in glaring light.

Aaaaaah! It’s a trap!

Both conspirators ran, and one of them fell right into the hands of the law.

Aaaaaaaghhh!

It’s . . . Roffa!